In a busy training workshop situated just eight kilometers from Kulgam’s main town in Bhan village, Mohd Ashraf Naik (50) weaves tradition into his art—crafting carpets that have earned him recognition.
Naik’s masterpiece, Carpet Globe, has brought him laurels from Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. He said the award has given him the confidence that he is on the right path in preserving Kashmir’s age-old carpet weaving tradition and that he has rightly earned the title of a master craftsman.
For decades, Kashmir’s handmade carpets have been celebrated worldwide, with the tradition passed down through generations. However, modern technological interventions now threaten the art. Yet, artisans like Naik ensure that hand-knotted carpets continue to thrive.
Naik was born into family of weavers. He learned the craft from his uncle, honing his skills over the years and elevating the art with his passion for the craft.
Naik told Rising Kashmir that over the years, he has trained more than 300 budding artisans, many of whom were unemployed youth eager to learn the art and sustain the tradition of hand-knotted carpet weaving.
Weavers like Naik have not gone unnoticed. He bagged first prize at the UT Level Awards and has showcased his work at several exhibitions, earning him praise for his intricate designs and providing him with a sustainable livelihood.
Hemayun Javid, Assistant Director Handicrafts Kulgam, said that carpet weavers like Naik not only preserve a centuries-old tradition but also contribute by training others. He said the department supports the artisans through the Karkhandar scheme.
“Under the Karkhandar Scheme, the department is helping artisans with stipends of Rs. 2,000 and the master trainer with Rs 20k per month. This scheme aims to revive languishing crafts, upgrade skills, and improve the productivity of artisans,” he said.
AD Handicrafts Kulgam said that there are five Karkhandar centers operational in the district which are benefiting 50 artisans.
Naik, the master trainer, said he will continue his efforts to train more artisans who will preserve traditional crafts and sustain the heritage.
“I don’t want to leave this knotting behind. Carpets are our livelihood. People cannot simply rely on machine-made carpets to replace ours. It’s about more than livelihood—it’s about our heritage,” he said as he weaved his next masterpiece.
